Fractional and sequential recovery of inorganic contaminants from acid mine drainage using cryptocrystalline magnesite

Abstract

This study evaluated the fractional and sequential recovery of inorganic contaminants from acid mine drainage (AMD) using cryptocrystalline magnesite. Batch experimental approach was used to fulfil the goals of this study. The obtained results revealed that ≥ 99.9% of metals were recovered. Experimental and Geochemical modelling revealed that Fe was recovered at pH ≥ 3.5, Al at pH ≥ 4.5, Mn at pH ≥ 9, Cu at pH ≥ 7, Zn at pH ≥ 8, Pb at pH ≥ 8 and Ni at pH ≥ 9. This study successfully proved that metal species can be fractionally and sequentially recovered from acid mine drainage using cryptocrystalline magnesite.